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And They Said I Didn't Matter: From Teen Mom to Public Servant
Facing her senior in high school with two children was not what Tara had envisioned for her life. she had big dreams, wanted to be a lawyer and a legislator, but getting pregnant at 15 changed everything. Now she was plagued by those who doubted that she could even finish high school.
Yet, she persisted.
Through ups and downs, Tara was able to find a way for herself and her children, Ryan and Briana. She graduated and began a journey to fulfill her purpose and, pursue her dreams.
Tara enrolled at the local university then paralegal school, all while working and rising her four children. Although she had worked on many local campaigns as a volunteer, doors were difficult to open until she met Attorney Ed Parms. The doors he opened changed Tara’s life and set her on her way. Tara’s work and leadership on judicial races and the 2008 Obama campaign was rewarded with the Democratic Party Chairs Award for 2009.
Five years later, Tara was running for office. Her time as a bailiff in the courthouse had run its course and now it was time to live her dream out loud. There were detractors, even among those closest to her. Friends and family may have disappointed but no obstacles got in Tara’s way. Tara won her first election in September 2013 when she became Akron City Council’s Ward 5 Councilwoman, the beginning of walking her purpose and even more of a whirlwind life.
Tara survived an abusive relationship, helped her son deal with mental illness, addiction and prison - and then ran for Leutentant Governor of the State of Ohio alongside Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
“And They Said I Didn’t Matter” is an inspiring story of trial and triumph.
Read. Be inspired. Live your life out loud!
Yet, she persisted.
Through ups and downs, Tara was able to find a way for herself and her children, Ryan and Briana. She graduated and began a journey to fulfill her purpose and, pursue her dreams.
Tara enrolled at the local university then paralegal school, all while working and rising her four children. Although she had worked on many local campaigns as a volunteer, doors were difficult to open until she met Attorney Ed Parms. The doors he opened changed Tara’s life and set her on her way. Tara’s work and leadership on judicial races and the 2008 Obama campaign was rewarded with the Democratic Party Chairs Award for 2009.
Five years later, Tara was running for office. Her time as a bailiff in the courthouse had run its course and now it was time to live her dream out loud. There were detractors, even among those closest to her. Friends and family may have disappointed but no obstacles got in Tara’s way. Tara won her first election in September 2013 when she became Akron City Council’s Ward 5 Councilwoman, the beginning of walking her purpose and even more of a whirlwind life.
Tara survived an abusive relationship, helped her son deal with mental illness, addiction and prison - and then ran for Leutentant Governor of the State of Ohio alongside Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
“And They Said I Didn’t Matter” is an inspiring story of trial and triumph.
Read. Be inspired. Live your life out loud!
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2019
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 13, 2019
Forgiveness is a powerful tool!
Your courage to stay in the race, not only as a politician, council woman, or most of all an African American woman but in life in general is a testimony all of its own. But you learned a lot from it. I say forgiveness is a powerful tool because it seems as if you were able to forgive some of the naysayers- those that look like you including 'friends' but not your mother. Even though the relationship with her from your story seemed nonexistent. May God continue to order your steps in your political endeavor my sister in Christ!
Your courage to stay in the race, not only as a politician, council woman, or most of all an African American woman but in life in general is a testimony all of its own. But you learned a lot from it. I say forgiveness is a powerful tool because it seems as if you were able to forgive some of the naysayers- those that look like you including 'friends' but not your mother. Even though the relationship with her from your story seemed nonexistent. May God continue to order your steps in your political endeavor my sister in Christ!
June 17, 2019
This is a classic example of what can happen when we persevere and remain steadfast. I have watched Tara move past obstacles. But reading these details is key to translating small life truths over to our young girls that are in similar circumstances. This is true across the Country!
This book is as useful for Community Professionals, Ministers and those that serve, as Antwone Fisher, A Beautiful Mind, The Soloists and the like.
Best Wishes....
This book is as useful for Community Professionals, Ministers and those that serve, as Antwone Fisher, A Beautiful Mind, The Soloists and the like.
Best Wishes....
January 18, 2021
Reading Tara's book was inspiring. I could not put it down and finished it in two section over the course of one 24 hour period.
Knowing Tara is a privilege, knowing her story is an honor.
Knowing Tara is a privilege, knowing her story is an honor.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews